EFCC Rejects Bala Mohammed’s Claims of Political Persecution

 EFCC Rejects Bala Mohammed’s Claims of Political Persecution

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that it is being used as a tool for political persecution, describing the claims as “wild” and “far-fetched.”

The anti-graft agency made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, January 2, 2026, following comments by the governor accusing the Federal Government and the EFCC of targeting him and members of his administration for political reasons.

Background to the Dispute

The reaction followed the arraignment of Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others before a Federal High Court in Abuja on December 31, 2025.

The defendants were charged with money laundering and terrorism financing involving about $9.7 million, alleged to be public funds diverted through illegal transactions.

Governor Mohammed’s name was listed in the charge sheet as the “approving authority”, although he cannot be prosecuted due to constitutional immunity.

In response, the governor alleged that the investigation was politically motivated, claiming it was an attempt to coerce him into defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also accused the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of influencing the probe due to political disagreements.

EFCC’s Response

Reacting to the allegations, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the agency viewed the governor’s comments with “great displeasure.”

According to the EFCC, its operations are independent and non-partisan, stressing that no political office holder has the power to influence its investigations.

The commission urged members of the public to examine the charges filed in court and determine whether they were based on evidence or personal vendetta.

It also accused some politicians of hypocrisy, noting that claims of persecution often arise when opposition figures are investigated, while similar probes involving ruling party members attract little criticism.

The EFCC further referenced Governor Mohammed’s previous money laundering case in 2016, which was stalled after he assumed office and gained immunity, questioning who allegedly influenced that investigation at the time.

The statement concluded by advising the Bauchi State governor to focus on governance and allow the commission to continue its mandate of sanitising Nigeria’s financial system.

Wike Reacts

Separately, Nyesom Wike denied any involvement in the investigation, telling Governor Mohammed to “clear himself with the EFCC if he is clean”, and accused him of deflecting responsibility.

Disclaimer: This report is based on verified statements and publicly available court filings as of January 2, 2026. It does not represent the opinion of this platform